I was lucky enough to know Jonjo through his brilliant riding career, including that epic day, remembered in bronze here at Cheltenham, when he galvanised Dawn Run to Gold Cup glory. Seeing the words “Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham” against his runners makes us enormously proud. When his wonderful team capture our major prizes and then the Grand National itself, we get senseless with emotion. Jonjo is the personification of the dedication, passion and fun of Jump Racing.

What can I say about Jonjo O’Neill after all the success I have had as the owner of Albertas Run – a horse I bought for £15k at the sales and which was brought along with patience and great care by the team at Jackdaws. Both Jonjo and AP have a clear empathy with the horse. I love the banter; I love the fun – and his wife is good looking too! All in all an excellent trainer and a fantastic place.

Jonjo is a racing legend; an outstanding person who remains as committed to racing as he was when breaking records as champion jockey in the ‘seventies. I’ve had horses with him for nearly twenty five years and, whether you are J P McManus or a small shareholder in a large syndicate, he’s always the same – genuine, consistent and hugely competitive.

Jonjo, Jacqui and Jackdaws define jumping, jollity and (sometimes) jam!

Jonjo and Jacqui represent all that’s great about National Hunt racing – a combination of a thoroughly professional yard and an ability to treat even new owners like old friends.

Jonjo O’Neill is not just a very special man, he is a special trainer too. To visit him and the team at Jackdaws Castle has been one of the pleasures of a lifetime. Mind you, he has lived at least three lives already!

Jackdaws Castle is without doubt one of Europe’s premier training establishments, you really do have to see it to believe it. The facilities are absolutely second to none. Jonjo has a natural gift with horses. He understands their every need and places them to perfection, which makes my job a lot easier. All in all, Jonjo is passionate but realistic; honest and a straight-talking person. He is a top class trainer and a lot of fun. I would call him a true racing legend and a great friend.

The facilities provided at Jackdaws Castle are of the highest quality, and with the expertise of Jonjo, Jacqui and their excellent team, the horses have the best environment possible. We are always kept fully informed with up to date progress reports. A visit to Jackdaws to see the horses on the wonderful gallops makes for a thoroughly enjoyable morning – with hospitality to match! Good luck for this season to all the owners.

Jonjo and Jacqui and the whole team at Jackdaws Castle encapsulate everything that is good and enjoyable about National Hunt racing. Every owner, whoever he or she may be, is looked after individually and is treated with the utmost professionalism and reality, with a great deal of fun mixed in too. To put it bluntly, being involved with Jonjo and the whole team at Jackdaws, really makes owning a racehorse a worthwhile and pleasurable pastime.